Appeals panel rejects bid to halt Þjórsárver works

An environmental appeals committee has rejected a request by Náttúrugrið to temporarily halt planned Landsvirkjun works in Þjórsárver, mbl.is reports.

The project would return the eastern branch of the Þjórsárkvíslar river to its former course using a channel about 600 metres long and a guide embankment. The aim is to direct water into Þjórsárlón and increase electricity production.

In August, HMS concluded that the project did not require an environmental impact assessment. Náttúrugrið appealed that decision and asked for work to be stopped while the appeal was being considered.

The committee said most of the deficiencies that led it to annul an earlier decision on the same project in June had since been addressed.

Landsvirkjun estimates the work will take about 10 days. A construction permit has been approved, but the Nature Conservation Agency has yet to decide on an exemption from the area’s protected status.